The Greatest Mother高等学校

３年

小阪

裕里江

If I were to choose the person I respect the most, it would have to be mymom. Not only is she my mom, but she is a teacher of life. She gives me lotsof advice when I face difficulties, making use of her own experience. Nomatter what situation I am in, she is the one who always supports me, and I

most admirable person. Today, I wish to talk to you about how much shemeans to me.
My mom and I had a huge quarrel this summer. Both of us started losing
control as the quarrel got bigger and bigger. Becoming completely irrational, Isaid what children must not say to their parents. I said, “I didn’t ask you tobear me. I didn’t wish to be born as your child either!” That was the worst
thing that I have ever said to my mom. She left the room quietly with redeyes. She seemed to be crying in her room. Some time passed, and I regained
calmness and regretted what I had just done to her. I had almost never seen
her cry. I wanted to make up with her so much that I wrote a letter to her. Iwrote that I was very sorry for what I said, and that I was growing desperatebecause I did not like myself, not finding the meaning of my life. It wasprobably the first time for me to tell her my feelings deep inside my heart.
The next day, she wrote me back. The letter said that she was sorry too andthat she wished me to enjoy my life as much as possible. She also wrote that
she would always love me no matter what happens. It made me think that I
should appreciate her loving me and forgiving me though I had hurt her
deeply. I knew it is extremely difficult for us to love somebody without
reservation. Bonds between us became stronger.
My mom has been telling me to always have interests in whatever I like,which means to be open to possibilities. Until recently, I often hesitated to do
new things because I was afraid of making mistakes and being made fun of.
When my parents recommended me that I go to America, I thought I was not

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am thankful to her for always being there for me. She is irreplaceable and thegoing to be able to get along well with people over there because of mypassive disposition. I also had a fear of making mistakes when speaking
English. I had been undecided for almost a year. One day, my mom said, “Itis ok to make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes, it is no big deal. We only
have one life to live and we cannot go back to the past. Just do what you cando now. At least try. Go for it!” I was deeply inspired by her words, andfinally decided to become an exchange student. As a result, I had lots ofprecious experiences I can use to my advantage. It made my way of thinking
positive, and I have come to try to live with a fighting spirit. If my mom had
高校生―Ｄ部門not told me the importance of trying new things and having a forward-looking
attitude, I would not have studied abroad and gained the strength byovercoming obstacles.
I admit my mother is a great mother and has a big influence on me. She
has taught me what is right and wrong, and shown me ways to fulfill my life.
Without her constant support, encouragement, and love, I would not be who I
am today. Even after the quarrel, she takes care of me and I can feel she
cherishes me. As her daughter, I would like to be dutiful to her in return bysaying, “Thank you so much for giving me life and being my mother!”40